2010 Awards

Preservation Awards for work completed in 2009 or earlier were given to four home projects in 2010. There was also two Special Awards, one for Adaptive Reuse of an historic building and a second for Continued Maintenance. Three projects also were given Certificates of Recognition.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS

House at 4506 9th Avenue, Honoree: Debbie Lee

When KeyStone Neighborhood friends gathered to help owner Debbie Lee remove inappropriate siding from this Brooks Grove craftsman bungalow to unveil the original clapboard, they shared a vision of what this house could look like. Now after the unveiling – as well as a new roof, railings, repair of exterior Craftsman style features, capped by an appropriate paint scheme, the home is once again a visual delight. A new door reflects the period of the house, while sensitive landscaping is the final touch. The home’s appearance today may be an inspiration for others in the neighborhood to undertake their own Great Unveiling.

House at 1330 20th Street, Honorees: Gene & Jody Zwiefel

The Zwiefels have undertaken extensive restoration of the exterior of this landmarked Schoessel House. Exterior stairs that were added when the house was used as apartments was removed and a doorway that was originally a window was restored with custom sashes. Insulation was added without damage by lifting and resetting the original clapboard. New wood screens and storms were custom made and a new roof and gutters were installed. After other exterior repairs, the home was primed and painted – after scraping 70 percent of it to bare wood — in appropriate colors that restore its original grandeur. Crumbling sidewalks near the house were also replaced.

House at 605 23rd Street, Honorees: Lendol & Kathy Calder

This historic house was restored several years ago. Since that time, it became apparent that obvious that significant structural repairs were needed to the front porch. Fortunately the Calders opted for an invisible restoration that keeps this magnificent wraparound porch intact. In doing so, they also maintain the vintage streetscape in the Broadway Historic District.

House at 1231 21st Street, Honorees: Linda & Gary Rowe

Porches are one of the most important architectural features that can be seen from the street. On this corner with two highly visible street facades the Rowes have ensured the view of their house in the Broadway Historic District has been preserved by rebuilding a deteriorated front porch as well as making appropriately enlarging a rear wing and reconstructing a rear side porch.

When a historic building is modified for a use other than that originally intended, it is known as “Adaptive Reuse.” Adaptive reuse is also important in the overall green movement because it retains much of the energy that was invested decades ago when such sturdy structures were built. The award is particularly appropriate this year because the theme for Preservation Month is “Old is the New Green.” The McKesson Lofts project is an excellent example of adaptive reuse that converted a former huge warehouse into nearly two dozen condos on the upper stories as well as commercial space on the ground floor. This project is not considered complete preservation because there were significant changes required to convert from a nearly windowless warehouse to livable space. The net result preserves a significant part of Rock Island’s waterfront landscape as well as saves an incredible amount of the energy already embodied in construction of the original building. The green roof, the first in Rock Island, only adds to that energy saving.

For over 150 years, the Dingeldein family has been a presence on what was then known as Camden Road and only later became 9th Street. Their Italianate home was midway on the journey between Rock Island and Camden, as Milan was known and was a looked-forward-to stop on the trip. Patriarch Philip Dingeldein grew grapes and made wine, which was served in the portion of the house operated as a wine hall. This home has served generations of Dingeldeins who have lovingly cared for it. We recognize the continued maintenance of the home which is such an important part of Rock Island history and landscape. One significant change to the home is the missing “Wine Hall” sign.

CERTIFICATE of RECOGNITION

Garage at 727 19th Street, Honorees: Jon & Rochelle Schrader

The Schraders purchased the landmarked Cook-Pearce home last year and soon thereafter began constructing a garage. The new garage is sited where a two story stable building, missing for decades, once stood. The size and scale of the new garage blend in with the surrounding structures in the Broadway Historic District. A steeply pitched roof with dormers, narrow clapboard siding that matches the house, and even stained glass windows combine to make this garage worthy of recognition.

House at 1617 21st Street, Honoree: Colette Spurgetis

Even among the historic homes in the Highland Park Historic District, the one by Collette Spurgetis is outstanding for its architectural integrity. Recently a tree fell and damaged a portion of the vintage copper gutter system. Since the original gutter shape could not be matched exactly, it was necessary to replace all of the gutters, Mrs. Spurgetis ensured was done with copper, the same material as the damaged gutters. We recognize this commitment to preserving a historic home.

House at 618 45th Street, Honoree: Pedro Barrera

This once deteriorated but delightful cottage in the KeyStone Neighborhood has been brought back to life. This certificate recognizes the sensitive work done to maintain and restore the front porch and doorway. The owner’s attention to the ornate historic door is impressive.

Our Mission

We are a city-wide organization in Rock Island, Illinois, that advocates for preservation of our built environment through public education, research of historic buildings and sites and registration of significant historical places with local, state and federal authorities.